Welcome back Fam, for another brand new edition of the Faygoluvers’ Underground Spotlight. We always try to showcase new and unique underground artists that are on the rise. Mercury and The Architects may not have the typical sound you’d expect to find here, but their unique blend of lyricism and art put them in an entirely fresh new category.
The group consists of TJ Mercury and Christina Maia on vocals, Chelsea Rae on Piano and Joe Petito on guitar, but stand dedicated to represent TJ’s music. While they are also occasionally joined by various drummers or brass players, the truly unique aspect comes in the form of Chelsea Rae’s art, which is displayed along with their live performances.
Okay, I’m doing that thing where I ramble again aren’t I? Well, I’ll shut up and let’s just go ahead and get this interview started…
Johnny O: Can you start us off with a little introduction of yourself for those who may not have heard of you or you music before?
TJ Mercury: I am TJ Mercury of Mercury & The Architects and we are music/art group based out of New York City
JO: I personally love your different style, but how would you describe it to perspective fans?
TJ: Well first off thank you, and I do believe it is hard to put my music in a specific box however it is definitely lyric and melody based. I think it’s a mix between political hip-hop and classic rock. The instrumentation varies and will continue to vary and I think that is really what makes it hard to label us, but in the end I think it is what will make us successful. It is difficult at times to label my style and what I am trying to do however I do believe as the music continues to pour out people will begin to truly understand that it’s just Mercury & The Architects. My lyrical content will always remain true and the melodies will always be consistent.
JO: How has the reception been so far for this extremely unique sound?
TJ: I think my music has received a tremendous amount of support and positive feedback so far. Although it’s unique, the music remains extremely relatable, both lyrically and musically, and I think that is what truly grabs people.
JO: Can you give us some insight into where the name “Mercury & The Architects came from?
TJ: Well in terms of the music, Mercury & The Architects is the band behind my music. That band and my music is accompanied by the amazing correlating artwork of Band member, illustrator, and sister, Chelsea Rae. However as a concept, Mercury & The Architects comes from the idea of Mercury being the messenger of the gods in mythology. The idea is that Mercury & The Architects is more than just me. It’s bigger than me. It is social and individual awareness flowing through me and the architects are those who help me represent and display that message. It’s astrological and I think as we progress it will continue to evolve. Concept came from me really analyzing my writing and finally being able to understand that the lyrical content is universal, it is not just about me
JO: Lyrically you touch on some very serious subjects, is this something that’s important for you in your music?
TJ: Lyrics are everything. I strive to express a truly important message while using great melodies and simple instrumentation to support that message. But at the end of the day the lyrics are the heart and soul of what I am trying to do.
JO: You recently released the EP, “Poets & the Beast.” Can you give us some insight into it’s creation and how you feel the whole project turned out?
TJ: So “Poets & The Beast” is our debut EP and was written, performed and produced by me and features the vocals of the very talented Christina Maia. It was engineered by Greg Pizzullo, and mastered by multi Grammy winner, Mark B. Christensen. This project is extremely personal to me as all 5 songs were written a couple years back and have been waiting to be really brought to life. I am truly blessed to have had such an amazingly talented team help bring my vision to life. Christina, Greg, and Mark helped breathe life into a project that I thought was dead. Considering the place I was in and the resources we had available I don’t think it could’ve came out any better. Now looking back, of course I want to change everything. But you’ll see a full evolution of our sound on our full length record which is in the works.
JO: Christina Maia is a nice addition and balance on the EP, how has this collaboration worked out for the both of you?
TJ: She is an amazing talent and a very professional worker with a special voice and a great ear. I think our musical dynamic is truly complementary and will continue to grow as our collaboration on the stage and in the studio continues to grow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq6nduxHq9M
JO: I’ve seen a live performance of yours as well and must say it was impressive to see you keep the same intensity with a live band, how is this process different from recording?
TJ: Thank you very much, hope you can make one of our shows. We’ll be playing at Webster Hall on august 28th and The Bitter End on September 4th! The process is definitely different and will continue to evolve. Because my original production is a bit unconventional for a band, the live show has to adjust. But that will change going forward. I hope to keep adding pieces to our act.
JO: Your track, “Tonight,” won 2015 International Song of The Year. How has this effected your musical endeavors?
TJ: Well obviously it’s nice to see your work get recognized however it doesn’t change anything. I write music to express myself and hopefully inspire others. Those are my intentions.
JO: So, what’s on the horizon for Mercury & The Architects? Anything you can let us in on?
TJ: So we’re currently touring the NYC area and are working on a full length record at Engine Room Studios in the city with Mark B. Christensen. He’s an unbelievable producer and I think our collaboration is going to really bring my music to new heights. I am truly excited. Going to be a big year.
JO: If people want to check out more, where can they find you?
TJ: Everything can be found at Mercuryandthearchitects.org. Be sure to check out our debut music video for “Tonight”, grab our E.P. and follow my “Truth” campaign.
Instagram: m3rcuryandthearchitects
Twitter: @merc_architects
JO: Who would you say have been you biggest inspirations throughout the years? and who would you say have been your influences?
TJ: My quest for self-awareness is definitely my inspiration, I am constantly trying to analyze who I am as a person. I think that led to me really analyzing other people and society as a whole. My personal environment as well as current events are constantly inspiring me and are the backbone behind most of my lyrical content. From a musical standpoint I have a background in Jazz and classical music and am truly inspired by so many different genres and classic artists from Billy Joel to Biggie Smalls. From a life standpoint however, my father is my true inspiration and influence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lP0fP8aOzc
JO: What could we find you personally listening to at this time?
TJ: I am really into Johnny Cash right now. I like cycling through the classic artists. In terms of more relevant stuff I am a huge fan of Mumford & sons. I appreciate and respect the talents of a lot of artists out there now but I feel there is a lack of message and purpose in the modern music scene. I think as our world continues to transcend towards consciousness and awareness, the demand for music will change. I think listeners are going to demand better and more important stuff. And from that demand we will see a wave of new artists emerge. But that’s just my analysis and opinion.
JO: It is always nice to go out with some kind words, so how about a few shout outs before we say our goodbyes?
TJ: Well first off I’d like to thank faygoluvers.net and Johnny O. for this opportunity.
I’d also like to give a shout out and thank you to my friends, family, and fans who have been absolutely amazing throughout this journey. Especially my father and mother. Your support means everything. It all starts with you.
Most importantly I’d like to thank the amazing team of ARCHITECTS that have rallied behind my vision and helped my music come to life.
– Shout out to the Band. Thank you Chelsea Rae (Piano), Christina Maia (Vocals), Joe Petito (Guitar) and James Baldisanno for making every single show the best night of my life. Wouldn’t be possible without you.
– Special shout out to the people working off the stage and behind the scenes including Greg Pizzullo, Michael Stratton, and Chelsea Rae. (Especially Chelsea Rae my amazing sister)
– Lastly I’d like to give a shout out to my beautiful and amazingly gifted girlfriend Kristyn Archibald, who has helped me with way more business and creative decisions than anyone knows. We would not be where we are right now if it wasn’t for her creative talents, experience, and guidance. She is a seasoned and well-rounded talent and an amazing songwriter, currently working on her own debut material.
I love you all. Thank you for believing in me.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, will close the books another Underground Spotlight here on Faygoluvers. I want to thank Mercury & The Architects, especially TJ, for taking time out for this interview. If you you’ve enjoyed what you read, saw or heard be sure to pick up a copy of their latest EP, “Poets & The Beast,” on iTunes or Spotify. Also, if you’re in the New York City area, be sure to check out their show at “The Bitter End” on Spetember 9th.
Now before I officially sign off, if you would like to be featured right here on the Underground Spotlight, shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]. Make sure to include a short bio, why you would like to/should be featured, a track or two and a couple of pics. Of course, don’t forget to include UGS or something similar in the subject line. So, until next time…
Peace,
Johnny O.
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